Cauliflower with Ham and Cheese Bake

Ingredients

• 1 large cauliflower head, cut into florets 1 large cauliflower head, cut into florets
• 200g (7oz) diced ham 200g (7oz) diced ham
• 200g (7oz) grated cheese (such as Gouda or Cheddar) 200g (7oz) grated cheese (such as Gouda or Cheddar)
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) milk 300ml (1 1/4 cups) milk
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. 4.
   Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
5. 5.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in half of the grated cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. 6.
   In a baking dish, layer the blanched cauliflower and diced ham. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the dish.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cauliflower — Make sure to blanch the cauliflower just until it is slightly tender to retain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Ham — Use a good quality diced ham for the best flavor. You can also substitute it with cooked bacon or smoked turkey if desired.
• Cheese — Opt for a cheese that melts well, such as Gouda or Cheddar, to achieve a creamy and gooey texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispy topping, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.
• Customize the recipe by adding sautéed onions or garlic for additional flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Cauliflower with Ham and Cheese Bake as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives over the baked dish. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness and make the dish visually appealing.